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Sumter School District wins council approval for 3 mills to fund early-literacy aides
Summary
After a presentation by Superintendent William T. Wright Jr. and CFO Shatika Spearman, Sumter County Council approved the School District’s request for 3 additional mills to fund auxiliary educators for K–3 literacy support; the council vote was unanimous.
Sumter County Council voted unanimously on June 10 to approve the Sumter School District’s request for an additional three mills to support a Reading for Learning initiative focused on K–3 literacy.
Superintendent William T. Wright Jr. introduced the initiative and framed it as part of the district’s broader strategic priorities. CFO Shatika Spearman presented budget details: the district requested 3 mills of a total allowable 5.26 mills to fund auxiliary educators, described in the presentation as supporting over 140 K–3 classrooms; the request was quantified at $639,912 to fund the positions (the presentation also referenced 18–19 auxiliary educators in different places).
Spearman said the proposed FY2026 district budget totals $168.5 million and is balanced without drawing on the fund balance; the presentation listed drivers including state-mandated teacher raises and step increases for staff. Councilmembers expressed support for the Reading for Learning initiative; Council approved the millage request by motion and unanimous vote.
The district indicated formal budget readings for the school year were tentatively scheduled for June 23, 2025. The council’s approval permits the district to include the additional millage in its local funding plan for the coming school year.
